It was one in, one out and one to come at Aston Villa as manager Martin O'Neill began rebuilding in earnest.

The Ulsterman, who brings his team to St James' Park next Wednesday night, sealed the signing of much-travelled striker John Carew from Lyon last night, with Czech frontman Milan Baros heading in the opposite direction.

Former Valencia and Roma targetman Carew, 27, signed a three-and-a-half-year deal to join O'Neill (pictured) at Villa Park and was full of enthusiasm for the task ahead.

He said: "I've played in many places in Europe but not the Premiership, so I'm looking forward to the challenge here.

"I've played for some good teams and with some of the best players in the world. Now I have a big challenge and I'm really looking forward to it."

Baros, 25, mustered just 14 goals after joining from Liverpool in a £6.5m deal in the summer of 2005 and was booed from the pitch by Villa fans when substituted during Saturday's 2-0 win over Watford.

Meanwhile, 21-year-old striker Ashley Young spent yesterday in the Midlands thrashing out the details of his proposed £9.65m move from Hertfordshire, expected to be completed later today.

Seville striker Kepa Blanco has agreed to join West Ham on loan for the rest of the season.

The Hammers were one of a number of Premiership sides linked with the 23-year-old, who has found his chances with Sevilla limited this term.

Manchester City, Charlton and Everton were also thought to be keen on the player but manager Alan Curbishley appears to have won the race for his signature and will have an option for a permanent deal in the summer.

Also at Upton Park, full-back Lucas Neill completed his move from Blackburn after Rovers clinched the signature of Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock.

Australian Neill, 28, signed for an undisclosed fee after snubbing an offer from Liverpool.

Blackburn manager Mark Hughes clinched the capture of Warnock on a three-and-a-half-year contract, also for an undisclosed sum.

Hughes made his admiration for the 25-year-old clear when Liverpool entered the bidding for Neill and Warnock was going to be part of that switch until the Australia defender opted for Upton Park over Anfield.

"He's a guy that has good experience for a young man of his age," Hughes told the club's website, www.rovers.co.uk.